Where Does Bourne's Water Come From?
Water Source
Bourne Water District and Buzzards Bay Water District groundwater wells
Bourne, the gateway to Cape Cod, is served by multiple water districts drawing from groundwater wells. As the town that hosts a significant portion of Joint Base Cape Cod (formerly Otis Air Force Base), Bourne is at ground zero for PFAS contamination from military firefighting foam operations that have contaminated the sole source aquifer.
What's in Bourne's Water?
Based on water quality reports, testing data, and environmental assessments, these are the contaminants of concern for Bourne residents:
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")
Status: CRITICAL — Base host town
As the host town for much of Joint Base Cape Cod, Bourne is directly impacted by PFAS contamination. The base's fire training areas, where AFFF foam was used extensively, are the source of massive contamination plumes spreading through the aquifer.
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)
Status: Detected above EPA limits
PFOA has been detected in Bourne area wells above the new EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 parts per trillion. This compound persists in the body with a half-life of 2-4 years.
PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate)
Status: Detected above EPA limits
PFOS, the primary component of AFFF firefighting foam, has been found at elevated levels in Bourne wells closest to the base boundary.
Nitrates
Status: Seasonal elevation
Septic system loading and seasonal population changes contribute to nitrate levels in Bourne's groundwater.
Health Risks for Bourne Residents
According to the EPA and Environmental Working Group (EWG), prolonged exposure to contaminants found in Bourne's water may increase risk of:
- • Cancer: PFOA and PFOS are linked to kidney, testicular, liver, and thyroid cancers. Bourne residents near the base have expressed elevated health concerns
- • Immune Damage: PFAS suppress immune function — a particular concern given lessons from recent pandemic years about immune health
- • Liver Toxicity: PFAS accumulate in the liver, potentially causing elevated cholesterol, liver inflammation, and long-term damage
- • Developmental Effects: Children exposed to PFAS face risks including low birth weight, delayed development, and reduced vaccine response
📍 Bourne Local Tip
Bourne residents — if you live near the Scenic Highway, the Bournedale area, or anywhere near the base perimeter, PFAS should be your top water priority. The military has provided bottled water and treatment systems to some affected properties, but coverage isn't universal. Don't wait for the government — install your own RO system now. If you have a private well, contact Mass DEP for free PFAS testing.
The Solution: Reverse Osmosis Filtration
Standard pitcher filters (like Brita) are not effective at removing PFAS or most contaminants found in Bourne's water. Water quality experts recommend a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system that can remove up to 99% of dissolved contaminants.
Why RO Works for Bourne Water:
- ✓ Removes 99%+ of PFAS, PFOA, PFOS
- ✓ Uses semi-permeable membrane to filter at molecular level
- ✓ Fits under your kitchen sink — no major renovation needed
- ✓ Provides clean drinking and cooking water on demand
- ✓ NSF-certified systems are independently tested and verified
Top Recommended RO Systems for Bourne
APEC ROES-50
A reliable, no-frills workhorse — perfect for Bourne families on a budget.
- • 5-Stage filtration system
- • Removes up to 99% of contaminants including PFAS
- • Industry-standard parts (easy, affordable replacements)
- • Excellent long-term track record with thousands of reviews
iSpring RCC7AK
Best for taste — adds healthy minerals back after filtering Bourne's water.
- • 6-Stage with alkaline remineralization
- • Water tastes like natural spring water
- • See-through housing shows filter condition
- • Top-rated by Bourne area homeowners
Waterdrop G3P800
The modern, space-saving tankless choice for Bourne homes.
- • Tankless design saves cabinet space
- • 800 GPD flow rate (fills a cup in seconds)
- • Smart faucet displays real-time water quality
- • Easy twist-and-pull filter changes — no plumber needed
Ready to Install?
Step-by-step DIY installation guide — works for any Bourne home
View Installation Guide →Frequently Asked Questions — Bourne Water
Is Bourne MA water safe to drink?
Bourne faces significant PFAS contamination from Joint Base Cape Cod. While water districts are installing treatment, home filtration is strongly recommended, especially for properties near the base. A reverse osmosis system is the most effective protection available.
Why is Bourne's water contaminated?
Bourne hosts portions of Joint Base Cape Cod where PFAS-containing AFFF firefighting foam was used extensively for decades. The chemicals leached through the sandy Cape Cod soil into the sole source aquifer that provides all of the region's drinking water.
Is the military helping with Bourne's water contamination?
The Department of Defense has conducted investigations and provided some remediation, including alternative water supplies for the most affected properties. However, full cleanup of the aquifer will take decades and critics argue the response has been too slow.
What's the best water filter for PFAS in Bourne?
A reverse osmosis system is the best home defense against PFAS, removing 95-99% of these compounds. For Bourne residents, this isn't a luxury — it's a necessity. Look for NSF-certified systems specifically tested for PFAS removal.
Sources
- • Bourne Water District Annual Water Quality Report (2024)
- • EPA Environmental Investigation — Joint Base Cape Cod
- • Massachusetts DEP PFAS Response — Upper Cape
- • Department of Defense PFAS Task Force Reports
- • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)